Old Parkonians Cricket Club 1906 - 2006

Old Parkonians Cricket Club proudly celebrated its centenary in 2006, having been founded in 1906.  The name was derived from Park School which was established a little earlier in 1901 and later changed to Ilford County High School.

Initially the cricket club used the school ground at Perth Road playing many clubs which still exist today - Buckhurst Hill, Ilford, South Woodford and Walthamstow amongst others.

The club moved in 1912 to play at Fairlop Playing fields and then in 1914 began a long tenancy at Barkingside Recreation Ground.  Following a gap due to World War 1, the club built up a formidable fixture list against other club and town sides in the post War years.  Up to and beyond World War II, the club was one of the strongest in Essex, drawing on scholars and old boys of the school and a reserve of cricket playing masters at school.

Notable amongst these was T.E. (Ted) Drakes who in concert with Doug Kesby, an old boy, were undoubtedly the finest bowling attack that the club ever had.  Not that the batting did not stint in backing up this attack with the likes of Jack Trotman, Tony Levi and Len Still amongst the ranks.

A remarkable history of the club efforts during World War II written by Doug Kesby serves as a memento of how club cricket was played during those dark days.

In the post war years, the club continued to thrive and through players from the school continued to see the club being able to compete on an equal basis with top clubs throughout the county.

Barkingside Rec. was relinquished in 1979, with the club moving to Fulwell Avenue.

In 1988, Parks started playing at it's current location Oakfield which is it's current superb home ground with large pavilion and members facilities, two squares and very good net facilities.

The club is now an ‘open’ club with a thriving membership welcomed from a wide area.  There are four Saturday elevens participating in the Shepherd Neame Essex League at it's headquarters at Oakfield Playing Fields in Fairlop with one Sunday side playing friendlies.  There is a large, very active colts section with teams in various competitions from under 11's upwards.

Mike Barnes stood down as chairman at the 2006 AGM after 50 years work for the club through playing and administration having started playing as a schoolboy.  Mike will be dedicating most of his time in his role as the Essex league chairman.  Chris Nutt has taken over the helm with Peter Nightingale his vice-chairman, and John Clark the club secretary.


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